One of the best dining spots in Sarasota and Bradenton has earned national acclaim. USA Today recently published its Restaurants of the Year List—44 restaurants from coast to coast curated by food journalists—and Swordfish Grill, located at 4628 119th St W, Cortez, FL, has been named one of the best restaurants in America. It is one of only three Florida restaurants on the list.
USA Today cites Sarasota Herald-Tribune writer Wade Tetangelo, who highlights Swordfish Grill’s unique atmosphere and food specialties. “Surrounded by working docks and pristine mangroves, gray pelicans and blue herons, leaping mullet, and frolicking dolphins, the experience is a delightful slice of Old Florida paradise,” says Tetangelo. He adds, “…you’ll find a mix of items from the regular menu as well as selections regularly featured on the specials menu, including the essential ‘daily catch’ option.”
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The best daily catches in Florida and the nation
Indeed, the environment at Swordfish Grill encapsulates Florida’s inimitable charm. Located in the historic Cortez fishing village and owned by local angler John Banyas, the restaurant offers stunning views of Sarasota’s skyline in the distance—beautifully counterpointing the rustic allure of the fishing village. This juxtaposition welds the old and new Florida along the horizon.
The daily catches—such as black grouper, red snapper, and pompano—are some of the best in Florida and, now, the entire nation, according to USA Today. These fresh catches can be prepared to your liking: blackened, grilled, fried, or even made into a sandwich (perfect for gobbling up your fish fix).
Other popular items include the Florida Smoked Fish Spread, Potato Bombs, Oysters Rockefeller, and Nashville Hot Fish. But in reality, everything on the menu is a knockout, making Swordfish Grill well worth the trek over the Sunshine Skyway. It’s under an hour to get to Cortez from St. Pete.
Check out Swordfish Grill’s nationally acclaimed food on Instagram.
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